Android

Google addresses Android 15 private space Issues with Wear OS and preps radio features in Android Auto 13.3 update

Published

4 weeks ago

November 13, 2024

Google is tackling some challenges with its Android 15 update, particularly issues surrounding the Private Space feature when used with Wear OS. Additionally, the recent Android Auto 13.3 update hints at upcoming radio station integration and improvements in media control.

Android 15’s Private Space Issues with Wear OS

Android 15’s Private Space is designed to separate and secure specific apps and data on your device. However, Google has identified several issues when users pair their Android phones with Wear OS smartwatches. Here’s what you need to know:

Notification Problems:
- Normally, notifications from Private Space apps should not appear on your smartwatch. Google specifies that media controls for these apps should also be inaccessible on Wear OS devices.
- However, on certain devices from OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), users are noticing that notifications from Private Space apps are still appearing on their smartwatches when the Private Space is unlocked on their phones. These notifications may show a work profile icon, causing confusion.
Work Profile Mix-Up:
- Some users may see a work profile tab in the Wear OS app even if they don’t have a work profile enabled on their phone but have Private Space set up. The work profile feature, typically used by businesses to separate personal and work data, is similar to Private Space but not interchangeable, leading to potential confusion.
Google’s Response:
- Google acknowledges these issues in their support documents but hasn’t provided a specific timeline for fixes. Users can expect that future updates to Android and Wear OS will address these glitches, ensuring a more seamless experience with Private Space.

Android Auto 13.3 Update: New Radio Station Integration

Google is also making significant updates to Android Auto, focusing on enhancing the in-car media experience. The latest Android Auto 13.3 beta hints at new features, particularly related to radio stations and media controls.

APK Insight: What We Found

Google’s APK Insight reveals lines of code suggesting potential upcoming features. By decompiling the latest Android Auto APK, tech enthusiasts have spotted preparations for a Car Media app designed to improve the local media experience, including new radio station categories.

Expansion of Media Controls:
- Google has been working to integrate local media sources into Android Auto, possibly allowing users to access stored music files alongside live radio options. The Android Auto 13.3 update contains code references to various music genres and radio station categories, including:
  - Classic Rock
  - Jazz
  - Hip Hop
  - News
  - Sports
  - Country Music
  - Educational Programs
  - Talk Shows
  - Weather Updates
- These genres might be part of a new radio feature in the Car Media app, which would allow users to browse radio stations by genre, making it easier to find content tailored to their preferences.
Preparation for Local Media Integration:
- The current Android Auto interface already supports streaming apps like Spotify and YouTube Music. However, the new feature hints at deeper integration with local vehicle infotainment systems, enabling access to traditional radio stations.
- This update aligns with Google’s recent initiatives to integrate more with vehicle systems. For example, in collaboration with Ford, Google has launched new features for electric vehicles (EVs), providing real-time battery information and using this data in Google Maps.

What to Expect Next?

While the exact launch date for these new features remains uncertain, ongoing updates indicate that Google is steadily working towards rolling out enhanced media controls and fixing current issues. Here’s a quick overview of what’s coming:

Fixes for Wear OS and Private Space: Expect updates that will resolve notification mishandling and improve the separation of Private Space and Work Profile features on connected smartwatches.
Enhanced Media Experience in Android Auto: Users can look forward to a richer in-car media experience with better access to local radio stations and possibly stored music. Google’s focus seems to be on making Android Auto a more comprehensive infotainment platform, aligning with industry trends of deeper car system integration.

Conclusion

Google is actively addressing known bugs in Android 15’s Private Space and is laying the groundwork for an improved media experience in Android Auto. These updates showcase Google’s commitment to refining its ecosystem, ensuring a smooth user experience across devices, and enhancing features in response to user feedback. As more updates roll out, expect a more polished experience on both Wear OS devices and Android Auto, making your digital ecosystem more interconnected and intuitive.

Keep an eye on future updates from Google to enjoy these enhancements as they become available.

Up Next

Google rolls out live scam detection for Pixel 6-9 devices and testing new features in search

Don't Miss

Gmail’s Gemini side panel integrates Google Calendar and Google Maps introduces new teal accent color

Click to comment

Android

Android 15 QPR1 Bug: Mixed-up icons

Published

6 days ago

December 7, 2024

Tom Carter

Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.

For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.

This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.

While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.

In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.

Android

Google extends Android updates for Pixel 6, 7, and Fold, plus new fixes for Pixel 9 with Android 15 QPR1

Published

1 week ago

December 5, 2024

Tom Carter

Google has announced a significant extension to its Android OS update policy for the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel Fold. These devices will now receive Android OS updates for five years, aligning them with Google’s commitment to long-term software support.

Extended Updates for Pixel 6, 7, and Fold

When Google introduced the Tensor chip in the Pixel 6 series, it expanded its software support to five years, including three years of OS updates and two additional years of security patches. However, the newer Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series offer seven years of updates. This raised questions about whether the Pixel 6 and 7 generations would get extended support.

Google has now confirmed that these devices, including the Pixel Fold, will receive five full years of OS and security updates. This policy applies from the date the device first launched on the Google Store in the U.S.

Updated Support Policy Summary:

7 Years of Updates: Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and future models.
5 Years of Updates: Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold.
3 Years of OS Updates, 5 Years of Security Updates: Pixel Tablet.

The change was hinted at earlier when Android 16 Developer Preview listed support for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

Android 15 QPR1: New Fixes for Pixel Devices

Google has also started rolling out the first Quarterly Platform Release (QPR1) update for Android 15. This update brings fixes and improvements across various Pixel models. OTA and factory images are now available for supported devices, though on-device updates may take a bit longer to appear.

Fixes and Improvements

The Android 15 QPR1 update includes 16 fixes across multiple areas:

Audio: Stability improvements and fixes for USB audio-related reboots.
Bluetooth: Enhanced range for Pixel 9 devices.
Camera: Stability improvements in certain scenarios.
Display & Graphics: Fixes for green screen tint issues.
System: General stability and performance improvements.
Telephony: Improved network connection reliability.
User Interface: Fixes for lockscreen wallpaper issues, dark mode stability, swipe actions, and notification background colors.
Wi-Fi: Improved wireless performance and stability.

Device-Specific Builds

Global updates have been released for all supported Pixel devices, including localized builds for certain regions (e.g., Telstra in Australia and EMEA countries).

Final Thoughts

With extended update support and continuous fixes, Google is reinforcing its commitment to enhancing user experience across its Pixel lineup. These changes ensure that even older devices remain relevant and secure for longer periods, aligning with the company’s focus on sustainable and reliable technology.

Android

Google’s December Feature Drop: A roundup

Published

1 week ago

December 5, 2024

Tom Carter

Google has rolled out a new feature drop for Pixel devices, bringing several exciting updates to improve your user experience.

Pixel Screenshots: Smarter Than Ever

Pixel Screenshots is now more intelligent and helpful. It automatically categorizes screenshots into different groups like music, places, and products. You can easily search within these categories and take actions like adding events to your calendar or searching for products.

Gemini: A Versatile AI Assistant

Gemini is getting smarter with new features:

Spotify Integration: You can now use voice commands to search and play music on Spotify.
Chess Champ Gem: This new feature lets you play chess with Gemini, providing you with tips and strategies.

Google Contacts: A Fresh Look

The Google Contacts widget has a new design with circular avatars and more information displayed. It’s more visually appealing and easier to use.

These updates are designed to make your Pixel experience more efficient and enjoyable.